towing MERCEDES-BENZ GLE SUV 2017 W166 Owner's Guide

lished between the Customer Assistance Center
and the vehicle occupants.
RIf the vehicle occupants respond, the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
attempts to get more information on the
emergency.
RIf there is no response from the vehicle occu-pants, an ambulance is immediately sent to
the vehicle.
If no voice connection can be established to the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center,
the system has been unable to initiate an emer-
gency call.
This can occur, for example, if the relevant
mobile phone network is not available. The indi-
cator lamp in the SOS button flashes continu-
ously.
The Call Failed
message appears in the mul-
tifunction display and must be confirmed.
In this case, summon assistance by other
means.
Making an emergency call
XTo initiate an emergency call manually:
press cover :briefly to open.
XPress and hold the SOS button for at least one
second ;.
The indicator lamp in SOS button ;flashes
until the emergency call is concluded.
XWait for a voice connection to the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center.
XAfter the emergency call, close cover :.
If the mobile phone network is unavailable,
mbrace will not be able to make the emergency
call. If you leave the vehicle immediately after
pressing SOS button ;, you do not know if
mbrace has successfully made the emergency
call. In this case, always summon assistance by
other means.
Roadside Assistance button
XTo call Roadside Assistance: press Road-
side Assistance button :.
This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz Cus-
tomer Assistance Center.
The indicator lamp in Roadside Assistance
button :flashes while the call is active. The
Connecting Call
message appears in the
multifunction display. The audio output is
muted.
If a connection can be made, the Call Con‐
nectedmessage appears in the multifunction
display.
If a mobile phone network and GPS reception
are available, the system transfers data to the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center,
for example:
Rcurrent location of the vehicle
Rvehicle identification number
The multimedia system display indicates that a
call is active. During the call, you can change to
the navigation menu by pressing the NAVI but-
ton on the multimedia system, for example.
Voice output is not available in this case.
A voice connection is established between the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
and the vehicle occupants.
From the remote malfunction diagnosis, the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
can ascertain the nature of the problem
(
Ypage 308).
The Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Cen-
ter either sends a qualified Mercedes-Benz tech-
nician or makes arrangements for your vehicle
to be transported to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
You may be charged for services such as repair
work and/or towing.
Features305
Stowage and features
Z

obtained at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g.
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Driving abroad
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network is
also available in other countries. You can obtain
further information from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Care
General notes
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man-
ner.
!For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any of
the following:
Rdry, rough or hard cloths
Rabrasive cleaning agents
Rsolvents
Rcleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective films
with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice scraper.
You could otherwise scratch or damage the
surfaces and protective film.
!Do not park your vehicle for a long period of
time directly after cleaning, particularly after
cleaning the wheel rim with wheel cleaner.
Wheel cleaner can lead to the increased cor-
rosion of the brake discs and pads. Therefore,
drive for a few minutes after cleaning. By
heating up the brakes, the brake discs and
pads dry. The vehicle can then be parked for a
long period of time.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents recom-
mended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Washing the vehicle and cleaning the
paintwork
Automatic car wash
GWARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full braking power is restored.
!Before driving into an automatic car wash,
make sure that it is suitable for the dimen-
sions of the vehicle. In particular, make sure
that:
Rthere is enough ground clearance between
the vehicle underbody and the guide rails of
the automatic car wash.
Rthe clearance width of the automatic car
wash is sufficient, particularly the width of
the guide rails.
Ryou enter the automatic car wash straight
and in the center of the guide rails in order
to avoid damaging the tires or wheel rims.
Fold in the exterior mirrors before the vehicle
is washed. The exterior mirrors could other-
wise be damaged.
!When DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD func-
tion is activated, the vehicle brakes automat-
ically in certain situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or similar situations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
!Make sure that:
Rthe side windows and the sliding sunroof
are fully closed.
Rthe ventilation/heating is switched off (the
OFF button has been pressed).
Rthe windshield wiper switch is in position 0.
Otherwise, the vehicle might be damaged.
Care319
Maintenance and care
Z

!In car washes with a towing mechanism,
make sure that the automatic transmission is
in transmission position N, otherwise the
vehicle could be damaged.
RVehicles with a SmartKey:
Do not remove the SmartKey from the igni-
tion lock. Do not open the driver's door or
front-passenger door when the engine is
switched off. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission selects park position Pauto-
matically and locks the wheels. You can
prevent this by shifting the automatic trans-
mission to Nbeforehand.
RVehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
Do not open the driver's door or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission selects park position Pauto-
matically and locks the wheels.
Observe the following to make sure that the
automatic transmission stays in position N:
XMake sure the vehicle is stationary and the
ignition is switched off.
XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 132).
Use the SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop
button on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO.
XDepress and hold the brake pedal.
XShift the automatic transmission to position
N.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XSwitch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off wax
from the windshield and the wiper blades. This
will prevent smears and reduce wiping noises
caused by residue on the windshield.
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in all countries
concerned.
XDo not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
XUse a soft sponge to clean.
XUse a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XThoroughly hose down the vehicle with a gen-
tle jet of water.
XDo not point the water jet directly towards the
air inlets.
XUse plenty of water and rinse out the sponge
frequently.
XRinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
XDo not let the cleaning agent dry on the paint-
work.
When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
Power washers
GWARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage
to the tires or chassis components. Compo-
nents damaged in this way may fail unexpect-
edly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced imme-
diately.
!Always maintain a distance of at least
11.8 in (30 cm) between the vehicle and the
power washer nozzle. Information about the
correct distance is available from the equip-
ment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around when
cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
RTires
RDoor gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
RElectrical components
RBattery
RConnectors
RLamps
RSeals
RTrim
RVentilation slots
320Care
Maintenance and care

Where will I find...?
Vehicle tool kit
General notes
The vehicle tool kit can be found in the stowage
well under the cargo compartment floor.
Apart from certain country-specific variations,
the vehicles are not equipped with a tire-change
tool kit. Some tools for changing a wheel are
specific to the vehicle. For more information on
which tools are required to perform a wheel
change on your vehicle, consult a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Necessary tire-changing tools can include, for
example:
RJack
RWheel chock
RLug wrench
RRatchet wrench
RAlignment bolt
Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit
:Jack
;Folding wheel chock
=Towing eye
?Alignment bolt
ATire inflation compressor
BLug wrench
CRatchet wrench
DTire sealant filler bottle
XOpen the tailgate.
XLift the cargo compartment floor upwards
(Ypage 296).
XUse the TIREFIT kit (Ypage 328).
Vehicles with a "Minispare" emergency
spare wheel
:Folding wheel chock
;Lug wrench
=Alignment bolt
?Towing eye
AJack
BRatchet wrench
XOpen the tailgate.
XLift the cargo compartment floor upwards
(Ypage 296).
XRemove the "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel (Ypage 367).
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with:
RMOExtended tires (tires with run-flat proper-
ties)
Vehicle preparation is not necessary on vehi-
cles with MOExtended tires
Ra TIREFIT kit (Ypage 326)
Ran emergency spare wheel (only for certain
countries)
Information on changing and mounting wheels
(
Ypage 361).
XStop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground, as far away as possible from
traffic.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away
(Ypage 153).
XIf possible, bring the front wheels into the
straight-ahead position.
326Flat tire
Breakdown assistance

Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
iJumper cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at any qualified
specialist workshop.
Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
PLUG‑ IN HYBRID vehicles: it is essential to
comply with the separate operating instruc-
tions. You could otherwise fail to recognize dan-
gers e.g. due to high voltage.
GWARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
Rthe engine is not running.
Rthe brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
Rthere is a malfunction in the voltage supply or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely.
GWARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible
gross weight of your vehicle, the:
Rthe towing eye could detach itself
Rthe vehicle/trailer combination could roll-
over.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per- missible gross weight of your vehicle.
Details on the permissible gross vehicle weight
of your vehicle can be found on the vehicle iden-
tification plate (
Ypage 372).
!When Active Brake Assist, Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC or the HOLD function is activated,
the vehicle brakes automatically in certain
situations. To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
these systems in the following or similar sit-
uations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Make sure that the electric parking brake is
released. If the electric parking brake is faulty,
visit a qualified specialist workshop.
!Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes, or the trailer tow hitch, if availa-
ble. You could otherwise damage the vehicle.
!Observe the following points when towing
with a tow rope:
RSecure the tow rope on the same side on
both vehicles.
REnsure that the tow cable is not longer than legally permitted. Mark the tow cable in the
middle, e.g. with a white c
loth
(30x30 cm).
This will make other road users aware that
the vehicle is being towed.
ROnly secure the tow cable to the towing
eye.
RObserve the brake lamps of the towing
vehicle while driving. Always maintain a dis-
tance so that the tow rope does not sag.
RDo not use steel cables or chains to tow
your vehicle. You could otherwise damage
the vehicle.
!Do not use the trailer tow hitch for recovery
or towing. Do not use the towing eye for
recovery. this could damage the vehicle. If in
doubt, have the vehicle recovered using a
crane.
!When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. Pull the towed vehicle as straight as
possible and not at an acute angle. Excessive
tractive power could damage the vehicles.
When towing, it is preferable to use a rigid tow- ing bar as opposed to a tow rope. A rigid towing
bar helps to keep the tractive power low.
!When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
use the key instead of the Start/Stop button.
Otherwise, the automatic transmission may
336Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance

shift to positionPwhen the driver's or front-
passenger door are opened, which could lead
to damage to the transmission.
!Do not tow with sling-type equipment. This
could damage the vehicle.
!Vehicles with differential locks: make sure
the differential locks are in automatic mode.
When towing, the differential locks must not
be switched on. The transmission may other- wise be damaged.
!The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of 30 mph
(50 km/h) must not be exceeded.
If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (50km), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
It is better to have the vehicle transported than
to have it towed away.
If the vehicle has suffered transmission damage,
have it transported on a transporter or trailer.
The automatic transmission must be in position
N when the vehicle is being towed.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
Rcannot turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock
Rcannot release the electric parking brake
Rcannot shift the automatic transmission to
position N
Disarm the automatic locking feature before the vehicle is towed (
Ypage 233). You could other-
wise be locked out when pushing or towing the
vehicle.
If the vehicle is in a dangerous area, it can be
towed out of that area with both axles on the
ground. In this case, the towing distance must
not be greater than 165 ft (50 m)and must not
exceed a towing speed of 6 mph (10 km/h). For
longer distances, have the vehicle loaded and
transported.
Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye
The brackets for the screw-in towing eye are
located in the bumpers. They are at the front and
rear behind covers :;.
XRemove the towing eye from the vehicle tool
kit (Ypage 326).
XTo open the cover at the front: press the
mark on cover :inwards in the direction of
the arrow.
XTo open the cover at the rear: insert a flat,
blunt object into the cutout and lever
cover ;out of the bumper.
XTake cover :or; off the opening.
XScrew in the towing eye clockwise as far as it
will go and tighten it.
Removing the towing eye
XUnscrew and remove the towing eye.
XPosition cover :or; in the bumper and
press the cover on until it engages.
XPlace the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit.
Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground
The automatic transmission automatically shifts
to position Pwhen you open the driver's or front-
passenger door or when you remove the Smart-
Key from the ignition lock.
Towing and tow-starting337
Breakdown assistance
Z

In order to ensure that the automatic transmis-
sion stays in positionNwhen towing the vehicle,
you must observe the following points:
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock.
XDepress and hold the brake pedal.
XShift the automatic transmission to position
N.
XLeave the SmartKey in position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps
(Ypage 109).
In order to signal a change of direction when
towing the vehicle with the hazard warning
lamps switched on, use the combination switch
as usual. In this case, only the indicator lamps
for the direction of travel flash. After resetting
the combination switch, the hazard warning
lamp starts flashing again.
Transporting the vehicle
4MATIC vehicles/vehicles with auto-
matic transmission
!When the vehicle is loaded for transport, the
front and rear axles must be stationary and on the same transportation vehicle. Positioning
over the connection point of the transport
vehicle is not permitted. The drive train may
otherwise be damaged.
All vehicles
!You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as
axle or steering components. Otherwise, the
vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting pur-
poses.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock.
XShift the automatic transmission to position
N.
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded:
XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
XShift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion P.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0in the ignition
lock and remove it.
XSecure the vehicle.
Information on 4MATIC vehicles
!
Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission.
Vehicles with 4MATIC may either be towed away with both axles on the ground or be loaded up
and transported.
If the vehicle's transmission, front, or rear axle is
damaged, have the vehicle transported on a
truck or trailer.
In the event of damage to the electrical sys-
tem: if the battery is defective, the automatic
transmission will be locked in position P. To shift
the automatic transmission to position N, you
must provide power to the vehicle's electrical
system in the same way as when jump-starting
(
Ypage 333).
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter or
trailer.
Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
!
Vehicles with automatic transmission must
not be tow-started. You could otherwise dam-
age the automatic transmission.
338Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance

able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs (1400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
XStep 5:Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehi- cle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity cal-
culated in step 4.
Example: steps 1 to 3
The following table shows examples on how to calculate total and cargo load capacities with varying
seating configurations and number and size of occupants. The following examples use a load limit of
1500 lbs (680 kg).
This is for illustration purposes only. Make sure you are using the actual load
limit for your vehicle stated on your vehicle's Tire and Loading Information placard (
Ypage 351).
The greater the combined weight of the occupants, the lower the maximum luggage load.
Additional information when towing a trailer (
Ypage 216).
Step 1
Example 1Example 2Example 3
Combined maximum
weight of occupants
and cargo (data from
the Tire and Loading
Information placard)1500 lbs (680 kg)1500 lbs (680 kg)1500 lbs (680 kg)
Step 2
Example 1Example 2Example 3
Number of people in
the vehicle (driver and
occupants)531
Distribution of the
occupantsFront: 2
Rear: 3Front: 1
Rear: 2Front: 1
Weight of the occu-
pantsOccupant 1: 150 lbs
(68 kg)
Occupant 2: 180 lbs
(82 kg)
Occupant 3: 160 lbs
(73 kg)
Occupant 4: 140 lbs
(63 kg)
Occupant 5: 120 lbs
(54 kg)Occupant 1: 200 lbs
(91 kg)
Occupant 2: 190 lbs
(86 kg)
Occupant 3: 150 lbs
(68 kg)Occupant 1: 150 lbs
(68 kg)
Gross weight of all
occupants750 lbs (340 kg)540 lbs (245 kg)150 lbs (68 kg)
Loading the vehicle353
Wheels and tires
Z

Rdo not switch ESP®off.
Rhave a spare wheel or emergency spare
wheel of a different size replaced at the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
Observe that the wheel and tire dimensions
as well as the tire type must be correct.
!Mercedes-AMG vehicles with
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel: only
use the "Minispare" emergency spare wheel
on the rear axle. If you mount the
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel on the
front axle, this could result in damage to the
brake system.
If a tire on the front axle is defective, an intact
wheel from the rear axle must first be
replaced with the "Minispare" emergency
spare wheel. The damaged wheel on the front
axle can then be replaced by the undamaged
wheel from the rear axle.
Make sure to note the placard on the
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel.
When using an emergency spare wheel or spare
wheel of a different size, you must not exceed
the maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/ h).
Snow chains must not be mounted on emer-
gency spare wheels.
General notes
You can ask for information regarding permitted emergency spare wheels at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Mounting the emergency spare wheel is descri-
bed under "Mounting a wheel" (
Ypage 362).
You should regularly check the pressure of the
emergency spare wheel, particularly prior to
long trips, and correct the pressure as neces-
sary (
Ypage 344). The value on the wheel is
valid.
An emergency spare wheel may also be moun-
ted against the direction of rotation. Observe
the time restriction on use as well as the speed limitation specified on the emergency spare
wheel.
Replace the tires after six years at the latest,
regardless of wear. This also applies to the
emergency spare wheel.
When you are driving with the collapsible spare
wheel mounted, the tire pressure loss warning
system or the tire pressure monitor cannot func- tion reliably. Only restart the tire pressure loss
warning system or tire pressure monitor when
the defective wheel has been replaced with a
new wheel.
Vehicles with tire pressure monitor:
after
mounting an emergency spare wheel, the sys-
tem may still display the tire pressure of the
removed wheel for a few minutes. The value dis-
played for the mounted emergency spare wheel
is not the same as the current tire pressure of
the e
mergency spare wheel.
Removing/stowing the emergency
spare wheel
Vehicles with a "Minispare" emergency
spare wheel under the cargo compart-
ment floor
Always observe the instructions and safety
notes in the "Mounting a wheel" section
(
Ypage 362).
The "Minispare" emergency spare wheel can be
found in the stowage well under the cargo com-
partment floor.
Removing the emergency spare wheel
XLift the cargo compartment floor upwards
(Ypage 296).
XVehicle without a lockable cargo compart-
ment floor: turn emergency spare wheel
retainer ;counter-clockwise and remove it.
XRemove "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel :.
Emergency spare wheel367
Wheels and tires
Z

XVehicle with a lockable cargo compart-
ment floor:remove the contents of stowage
tray =.
XTurn the central retaining screw in stowage
tray=and in "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel :counter-clockwise and remove it.
XRemove stowage well =.
XRemove "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel:.
Vehicles with a "Minispare" emergency
spare wheel in the emergency spare
wheel bag
Always observe the instructions and safety
notes in the "Mounting a wheel" section
(
Ypage 362).
On vehicles with a Bang & Olufsen sound sys-
tem, the "Minispare" emergency spare wheel is
packed in an emergency spare wheel bag. The
emergency spare wheel bag is secured to the
cargo tie-down rings in the cargo compartment.
Removing the emergency spare wheel
XDetach the fastening straps ;.
XUnhook retaining spring hooks :and =of
fastening straps ;from the cargo tie-down
rings.
XRemove the emergency spare wheel bag with the "Minispare" emergency spare wheel.
XOpen the emergency spare wheel bag and
remove the "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel.
Stowing the emergency spare wheel
XPlace the "Minispare" emergency spare wheel
into the emergency spare wheel bag and
close the emergency spare wheel bag.
XPlace the emergency spare wheel bag with
the "Minispare" emergency spare wheel into
the cargo compartment with the carrying
strap at the back.
XHook retaining spring hooks :and =of
fastening straps ;into the cargo tie-down
rings.
XTighten fastening straps ;.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles with a collaps-
ible spare wheel under the cargo com-
partment floor
!Only place the collapsible spare wheel in the
vehicle when it is dry. Otherwise, moisture
may get into the vehicle.
Always observe the instructions and safety
notes in the "Mounting a wheel" section
(
Ypage 362).
The collapsible spare wheel can be found in the
stowage well under the cargo compartment
floor.
Removing the emergency spare wheel
XLift the cargo compartment floor upwards
(Ypage 296).
XUnscrew retaining screw ;counter-clock-
wise.
XRemove collapsible spare wheel :from the
spare wheel well.
368Emergency spare wheel
Wheels and tires